A new television series called Grace the Table will highlight billiards legends and Southern comfort foods, including Bright Leaf Hot Dogs, as filming begins in Sampson County. The show partners with the North Carolina brand for its 85th anniversary. Hosted by Allison Fisher, it features guests sharing personal stories tied to their favorite meals.
Filming for Grace the Table starts on February 17 in Clinton, North Carolina, with Bright Leaf products appearing on set during a February 19 shoot. Produced by Dirty Laundry Picture Company (DLPC), an independent studio founded in 2025 and based in Clinton, the series marks Sampson County's first professional film studio. DLPC describes itself as focused on truth-driven storytelling and aims to bring production opportunities to the region. The partnership with Bright Leaf Hot Dogs, made by Carolina Packers in Smithfield, celebrates the Red Hots brand's 85th anniversary, and company representatives are expected to appear in the show. Bright Leaf Red Hots will be served during filming, noted as a favorite comfort food of guest Earl Strickland. Created and executive produced by Monty Hobbs, the series combines personal storytelling with culinary themes. Each episode features guests discussing memories and experiences linked to foods that influenced their lives and careers. Host Allison Fisher, regarded as one of the greatest female billiards players, will guide conversations with legendary figures including Jeanette Lee, known as “The Black Widow”; Ewa Mataya Laurance, nicknamed “The Striking Viking”; Mike Sigel, who advised on the film The Color of Money; and three-time world champion Earl Strickland, holder of more than 100 titles. Hobbs stated, “Producing a show with legends in the sport — talking about their lives while indulging in the foods from their childhood that provide comfort — is everything I could ask for.” Release is planned for late summer to early fall 2026.
